Randolph, Massachusetts is a city located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. Although legally incorporated as a city, due to its adoption of the council-manager form of government in 2010, Randolph has retains the word “Town” in its official name. Randolph, MA is home to approximately 32,100 residents.

The Town of Randolph was incorporated in 1793, from the south precinct of Braintree, known as Cochaticquom. The city was renamed after Peyton Randolph, the first President of the Continental Congress.

During the industrial revolution, Randolph, Massachusetts was the home of several large shoe manufacturers. In the late 18th century, farming was on the decline, and local farmers began making shoes and boots to supplement their household incomes. The shoe industry began to grow into the town’s major industry and attracted workers from all over the Northeast, Canada, Ireland and Italy. Boots were being shipped as far as California and Australia. The “Randies” were the city’s own popular shoe style, and made exclusively within the city borders.

Despite the decline of the shoe industry, Randolph, Massachusetts continued to evolve. In the beginning of the 20th century, light manufacturing and service industries in the city were on the rise. Randolph’s proximity to Boston, and its accessibility by transportation, resulted in many families moving to the city and the growth of a suburban residential community. Randolph, MA also saw significant growth in its Jewish population. In 1980, Randolph, Massachusetts was the largest Jewish community south of Boston, with almost 10,000 residents. Randolph is home to two synagogues, a kosher butcher, a kosher bakery and a Judaica shop.